Lung Disease & Respiratory Health Center

Tools & Resources

Mediastinoscopy

Guide

How It Is Done continued...

The entire
procedure usually takes about an hour. After the procedure, you will be taken
to the recovery room.

Some people may go home after the procedure
if the general anesthesia wears off and they are able to swallow fluids without
gagging or choking. Other people may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2
days. If your stitches are not the dissolving type, you will need to return to
your doctor in 10 to 14 days to have them removed. Mediastinoscopy usually
leaves only a tiny scar.

How It Feels

Before the procedure, you may be given
medicine that will make you sleepy and relaxed. You will receive general
anesthesia during the mediastinoscopy, which will cause you to be asleep. After
you wake up, you may feel sleepy for several hours. You may feel tired for 1 to
2 days after the procedure and have some general aches and pains. You may also
have a mild sore throat from the tube in your throat during the procedure.
Using throat lozenges and gargling with warm salt water may help relieve your
sore throat.

Risks

Complications from mediastinoscopy are uncommon
but may include bleeding, infection, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax),
a tear in the
esophagus, damage to a blood vessel, or injury to a
nerve near the voice box (larynx) which may cause permanent hoarseness.